News & Press Releases

Morell Studios Unveils New Trophy At Inaugural Founder’s Invitational

Mike Rudin holds the Lew Rudin Trophy named after his grandfather, one of the founders of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York (TFTMNY). Also pictured (left to right) are Ed Brockner, executive director of TFTMNY; Bill Rudin, Mike’s father and Lew’s son; and Jon Clay, managing director of Morell Studios.

A handcrafted cherry wood trophy highlighted the awards presentation at The First Tee of Metropolitan New York’s (TFTMNY) inaugural Founder’s Invitational at Hudson National Golf Club. The event was the TFTMNY’s largest fundraiser of the year and the trophy base is a tribute to the late Lew Rudin, one of the chapter’s original founders.

The new trophy was created by Pat Morell, a master craftsman and woodworking artist who has served the golf industry for more than four decades. He is the founder and creative director of Morell Studios. “We are proud to have created this trophy for a great organization like The First Tee of Metropolitan New York,” said Morell, who is known for creating the official trophies for the PGA Player of the Year and PGA Grand Slam of Golf, as well as many other prestigious golf recognition awards.

“The Founder’s is our premier event and to have a quality trophy provided by Morell Studios for the purpose of recognizing the winners of The Founder’s Invitational makes it that much more special and provides for a high quality championship,” said Barry McLaughlin, director of operations and development for The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.

In addition to The First Tee, Morell Studios’ prestigious client list includes Oakmont Country Club, the Nicklaus Companies, The Bear’s Club, Muirfield Village Golf Club, Seminole Golf Club, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and many others. The company is currently producing various awards and recognition products on behalf of the Metropolitan Golf Association, the Westchester Golf Association, the Metropolitan PGA Section, New Jersey and New England PGA Sections, and The PGA of America.

About Morrell Studios
Morell Studios is committed to creating the highest quality award and recognition products for the golf industry and corporations that support it. The company has enjoyed more than 40 years of experience providing best-in-class custom awards, plaques and recognition products. Its creations are museum quality and feature perfectly hand-crafted real oak and cherry wood which are hand sanded, stained and sealed to a smooth, durable finish. All of the company’s products are manufactured, engraved and assembled at its production facility in Florida.

About the First Tee of Metropolitan New York
The First Tee of Metropolitan New York was founded in 2001 at Mosholu Golf Course in the Bronx, and now includes five additional Facilities at Eisenhower Park, Fairchild Wheeler, Plainfield West 9, Golf Club at Chelsea Piers, and Weequahic Park. The Chapter was formed through a partnership that includes the Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation, the Met Section PGA and the Rudin Family, to teach young people that have traditionally been denied access to the game, valuable Life Skills and Nine Core Values through the game of golf. These values include Honesty, Integrity, Courtesy, Confidence, Respect, Perseverance, Judgment, Responsibility and Sportsmanship and are taught seamlessly with golf instruction through a unique curriculum developed by top educators.